Alaska Fishing Retreat

Fishing Excursion for Supersize Halibut Off Alaskan Peninsula

In 2008, a fisherman off the coast of Norway hauled in a halibut that weighed 443 pounds and measured more than 8 feet long. Though something of an aberration, halibut are routinely caught at weights in excess of 100 pounds, helping them earn the title of world’s largest flat fish. Take a shot at the record books on a four- or seven-day halibut- and salmon-fishing adventure from Discover Alaskan Adventures, which leads trips into the waters near Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. After loading up on fish and returning to shore, anglers will retire to Ninilchik’s Volcano View RV Resort and the surrounding area. There they’ll stay in deluxe cabins, which have full kitchens, TVs and barbecue grills. Click here for the 2013 charter schedule.

Each day of the adventure begins with an experienced guide leading groups of up to six on a 45- to 60-minute trip to the deeper parts of Central Cook Inlet, a hot spot for schools of halibut as they practice for synchronized-swimming competitions. The journey is made aboard a 28-foot six-pack cabin cruiser—aptly christened Discover—that includes a private bathroom. Once they’ve reached their destination, groups will fish for halibut and salmon with provided tackle, bait, and lures that can last a full tide cycle.

Though halibut fishing generally demands a full day’s time and energy, adventurous guests can spend the twilight hours fishing in local rivers. The town of Homer—a scenic hamlet situated about 40 miles south among the Kenai Mountains’ prehistoric glaciers—is worth a visit.

At the trip's conclusion, staffers will skillfully fillet all catches for no charge. Filleted halibut can be vacuum-packed, frozen, and shipped to any U.S. destination. Alternatively, the catch can be made airplane-ready, or be kept in a walk-in freezer until visitors can fashion a massive suitcase lined with dry ice.

Deluxe cabins that sleep up to six are located in the surrounding area and will be reserved by Discover Alaskan Adventures upon booking.

What You Get

Guided halibut- or salmon-fishing package

Option 1: $690 for four nights of lodging in a cabin and three days of guided fishing for one (up to a $1,380 value)

Option 2: $1,296 for four nights of lodging in a cabin and three days of guided fishing for two (up to a $2,596 value)

Option 3: $995 for seven nights of lodging in a cabin and five days of guided fishing for one (up to a $1,990 value)

Option 4: $1,995 for seven nights of lodging in a cabin and five days of guided fishing for two (up to a $3,990 value)